How do you sterilize your equipment?

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tcarswell

Polypterus
MFK Member
Dec 6, 2008
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I have several tanks now and I would rather not have to use the same equipment on each tank (Python , buckets , gravel vacs, Nets) What is the best way to prevent cross contamination? For now I soak all my nets in a good double solution of malachite green. The buckets I have each one designated for dirty water and clean water. But what do I do about the gravel vac's? and python? :irked:

Thanks guys
 
i don't...nets never get used much. i quarantine everything for 2-4 weeks at least before putting it in growout or the big tank. only thing shared i guess is the python every few days and i do the quarantine last so i don't worry.
 
First clean all your things with and dry them for a couple of days. If posible under the sun. This way you can prevent cross contamination.
 
i never sterilize, but sometimes flush hot water through the python. i hook up the python and do water changes on all my tanks in the room at once. never had a problem and ive been doing it for years.
 
chrislxf;2841031; said:
hot water, but why do u need to sterilize your equipment.
Click to expand...
Cross contamination I use the python on 5 tanks now. One of my tanks is in treatment for ich :nilly:
 
Bleach is the best oxidizer and it's easy to tell if you have it all rinsed out...

1/2 cup in a gallon of hot tap water...

dip it,
let it air a few seconds,
dip it again...

then rinse till you cannot smell the bleach anymore...then hang to dry...direct sunlight if you can...

If you are still iffy on the bleach residue, a dip in dechlorinator before you use it will nutralize any residuals...;)
 
zennzzo;2841061; said:
Bleach is the best oxidizer and it's easy to tell if you have it all rinsed out...

1/2 cup in a gallon of hot tap water...

dip it,
let it air a few seconds,
dip it again...

then rinse till you cannot smell the bleach anymore...then hang to dry...direct sunlight if you can...

If you are still iffy on the bleach residue, a dip in dechlorinator before you use it will nutralize any residuals...;)
Click to expand...

Nice thanks buddy :headbang2
 
there is a difference in sanitizing something, and sterilizing something. sterilization is used more for surgical equipment, tattoo needles-its a matter of temperature, and how long the temperature is kept that that range.

i sanitize my stuff but just throwing nets and stuff in the dishwasher (which sanitizes, not sterilizes). and the bleach thing is a great idea for pythons, but i usually rebuy them after a while as they get really gross looking.
 
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